Skip to content

Canadian Pacific releases statement on second Guernsey derailment

Calgary, Geurnsey – Canadian Pacific Railway released the following statement the afternoon on Feb.
N18 Train Derailment II 2 cropped-1000px
This was the scene at noon on Feb. 6 at the second Guernsey, Sask., crude-by-rail derailment in two months. The train derailed a little under six hours earlier. Photo courtesy Humboldt Journal

Calgary, Geurnsey – Canadian Pacific Railway released the following statement the afternoon on Feb. 6 after a second crude-by-rail train in as many months derailed and caught fire in near Geurnsey, Saskatchewan:

“There were no injuries to the crew and CP emergency response teams are at the scene working closely with local first responders to contain the fire. There is no impact to waterways.

“Immediately after the derailment, CP implemented a slow order on its crude trains as a precautionary measure as it gathers facts related to this incident. Since then, Transport Canada has issued a Ministerial Order, effective for thirty days at midnight on Friday, Feb. 7. The order requires a slowdown of “key trains (which contain 20 or more cars carrying dangerous goods). In metropolitan areas, these trains will be limited to 20 mph. Outside these areas, trains will be limited to 25 mph.”

“CP fully supports this action and it has been implemented effective immediately,” said Keith Creel, CP president and CEO. “Until we better understand the facts relating to today’s incident, it is prudent to operate with an abundance of caution. We equally share Minister Garneau’s concerns, and remain committed to safe operations, as we always have been.” 

The statement continued, “CP is working collaboratively with local officials in responding to today’s derailment and is deploying claims officers to assist community members displaced by the incident and evacuation.

“CP is in close contact with regulators and local officials and will keep them informed as the situation progresses. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. 

“Crews will work diligently and will ensure the area is cleaned up and restored after CP safely recovers from this incident.”

Humboldt RCMP closed the highway in both directions shortly after the derailment occurred. Approximately 85 people were evacuated from Guernsey, according to The Canadian Press.

The previous derailment, which had no injuries but spilled approximately 9,435 bbl. oil, occurred on Dec. 9. That derailment was approximately 10 kilometres to the west of this derailment. In the December derailment, the train was traveling eastbound at 45 miles per hour. (Railways operate in the imperial system, using miles as their standard unit of measure as opposed to kilometres.)